New Zealand’s Department of Labor and Accident Compensation Corp. are consulting on behalf of the minister for ACC on five regulatory proposals relating to payment for treatment in the cost of treatment regulations. According to a report from the ACC, the study will cover these five areas.
1. Introduce a regulated rate for nurse practitioners.
2. Add three podiatrist procedures.
3. Increase the regulated price for GPs and nurses.
4. Make all rates in the Regulations GST-free.
5. Make two minor technical changes.
1. Introduce a Regulated Rate for Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners were recognized under a 2008 amendment to the Accident Compensation Act 2001 as they have a wider scope of practice than registered nurses. However, ACC currently pays them the same rate as registered nurses as there is no specific rate in the regulations for nurse practitioners. The consultation document proposes a regulated rate for nurse practitioners.
2. Add 3 Podiatrist Procedures
There are three podiatry procedures managed by ACC under a letter of agreement, which was developed as an interim measure until the procedures could be added to the regulations. It is proposed that the three procedures are incorporated into the regulations so that the agreement is not required.
3. Increase the Regulated Price for GPs and Nurses
Each year, ACC is required by legislation to review the amounts relating to treatment that are prescribed by regulation. Following the 2010 price review, ACC recommended an increase for general practioners (GPs) and nurses in line with the increase paid by the Ministry of Health to district health boards. The consultation document proposes a regulated rate increase for GPs and nurses.
4. Make all Rates in the Regulations GST-free
When GST increased from 12.5 to 15 percent Oct. 1, 2010, the increase affected amounts paid by ACC under these regulations and required public consultation. Other ACC regulations are GST exclusive, so it is proposed that the rates in the regulations are also GST exclusive and the prices are adjusted accordingly.(WCxKit)
5. Make Two Minor Technical Changes
It is proposed to correct two minor technical errors in the regulations; these are to do with an incorrect GST increase and an incorrect code.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: [email protected].
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